Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saginaw get helping hand

Published 3:42 am, Saturday, October 5, 2013

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saginaw offices are getting ready to receive a new parking lot, sidewalk and landscaping, thanks to an army of volunteers and donations from area businesses.

John W. Fisher, of Fisher Contracting, has been involved with the planning of the multiple phases of the operation, which is set to begin later today. Fisher said although the task will take some time, the people who have promised to help on project will make the job that much easier.

“I am impressed with the willingness of Midland businesses and volunteers to donate time and materials for such a great cause,” Fisher said.

The work will begin on the site, located at 1910 Fordney in Saginaw, with the demolition of the sidewalk, followed by the addition of about 15 yards of top soil. Fabric top soil, along with mulch, vegetation and flowers will also be installed.

The main focus of the work is to replace the aging driveway and parking lot, but Fisher said that those phases of reconstruction are still in the planning stages, and construction on those projects will begin sometime in the future.

Fisher said that the project could not happen without the local companies who volunteered their time and resources to help make the project happen. Pat’s Gradall Service, Inc., of Midland, donated a truck and driver to transport mulch to the site, as well as removal transportation of the old sidewalk material. Pat’s Gradall also delivered the Bobcat along with its attachments to and from the job site. Servinski Sod Service, also of Midland, donated the mulch, and Kluck Nursery donated the flowers and other plants for the project.

Fisher Contracting also contributed to the project with top soil, fabric, the use of a Bobcat and hand tools.

Fisher added that there was no shortage of volunteers, either. Members of Kappa Sigma from Northwood University will be on site today to lend a hand, along with several others.

“I was truly impressed with Kappa Sigma’s willingness to help out,” Fisher said. “I attended one of their weekly meetings and presented them with this volunteer opportunity. To my surprise, every member in the room volunteered.”

Susan Putnam, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region, will also be helping out, providing lunch for all of the volunteers. Erick Forshee, EH&S director for Fisher Companies, also has been a big help, Fisher said.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great organization and everyone involved in this project is just happy to help out,” Fisher said.